News Release

Friday, February 10, 2012

Teacher Faces Multiple Counts of Lewd Acts on a Child NR12076rb

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU) has been involved in an investigation involving Mr. Paul Chapel, a teacher at Telfair Elementary School in Pacoima. Detectives from SECU assumed the investigation on April 11, 2011 after a crime report for child annoying was generated on April 6, 2011, and he was immediately removed from the school.

The investigation culminated with the arrest of Mr. Chapel on October 8, 2011 and bail was set at $2.2 million. The District Attorney has filed 16 counts of Lewd Acts on a Child 288(a) PC against Mr. Chapel involving six victims. Mr. Chapel had no prior criminal history until his October arrest.

As part of the investigation, detectives interviewed approximately 22 students at Telfair Elementary School, with school administrators fully aware of the process. Once interviews were complete, the Department suggested the LAUSD delay discussing the case publicly and not conduct their internal investigation until the criminal case was resolved to ensure the integrity of the still on-going investigation was not compromised. The Department would not ask LAUSD to withhold notification to the parents of the allegations.

The Department takes crimes against children very seriously and throughout the investigation, LAPD Detectives worked closely and consistently with LAUSD Administrators to ensure Mr. Chapel was not in a position to be in contact with students.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to call Juvenile Detective Division at 213-486-0570. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.